The Pike is a great trail fork: it starts stiff but gradually smoothes out until you suddenly notice that all the bumps have gone. Positive and negative air springs balance stroke characteristics, with externally adjustable Floodgate platform damping to control kick-off sensitivity. The Motion Control rebound damping is competent in all but the most mental situations, and U-Turn is still the benchmark travel adjust system.
With only 140mm travel, it's not a real big hitter, but the Maxle 20mm axle means it's very stiff for its weight. It's also short enough to not upset geometry on 5in (125mm) travel frames - although it'll noticeably steepen six inchers - and reliability is phenomenal, even in the worst conditions.